News 1/3/11 AWDA Goes Green    The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency Goes Green In 2003, a data-driven assessment revealed key opportunities to optimize the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency’s (AWDA) operations. The evaluation launched a course of action to increase the Agency’s sustainability and efficiency as well as enhanced security and customer service. AWDA became committed to Going Green. With service to more than 80,000 Atlantans, AWDA’s document storage could warehouse an estimated 4,000,000 sheets of necessary and confidential documentation. In 2007, AWDA began to archive all documents both client and operations-related to digital servers. The Agency also streamlined the annual audit process saving both time and money. Today, AWDA is a paper-free work place. All files, documents, and customer profiles have been stored between two servers located on site and at Atlanta City Hall. Salary and wage payments to staff and customers are electronically transmitted saving paper, time and fuel costs associated with distributing checks. AWDA now conducts board meetings electronically and committee meetings are managed via teleconference. "As awareness and respect for our planet Earth continues to grow, AWDA strives to help keep resources in abundance for future generations" Deborah Lum, AWDA Executive Director  Since, the initiative’s inception, “AWDA has saved an average of nearly $200,000 each year in the costs of paper alone and more than 2,900 trees are preserved each year because of the Agency’s efforts.”